5 Great Sports Cars

The RX-8 remains unchallenged and unique as the only four-door sports car, and the only one with a rotary engine that revs like a whirling dervish with breathless ease. The car's cat-like stance and flared fenders make it unmistakable on the road. The RX-8 is a successful engineering marvel.

The 2009 RX-8 has been gone-over from top to bottom. There's a new performance model with a 6-speed gearbox called the R3.

The engine slides back in the chassis to achieve perfect 50/50 balance. It's no longer than a Porsche 911, even with backseat room for a tall person. The handling is off-the-chart responsive - and we've driven the RX-8 in the mountains, on the track and on an autocross course. The engine's breadth is amazing, although the punch is not quick and gas mileage remains the rotary's Achilles heel.